Welcome back to the MIND GYM (PFB). I apologize for the delay in posting this month’s blog. This month’s topic will focus on the final two Positive Focus Performance P’s that will help you to attain excellence in your performance. Positive Attitude and Positive Focus.

Positive Attitude is the fifth Positive Focus Performance P. This P is all about maintaining a confident attitude no matter what the situation dictates. Winning or losing you must remain confident and trust the preparation you have done to become successful. When you are FEELING confident(your choice), your muscles will be relaxed and ready to fire at the appropriate times. As opposed to when you have doubt about your ability, game strategy and/or give too much credit to your opponents skill level, your muscles will become tight and you will lose the flexibility to react in an appropriate manner. You will also lose flexibility in moving from one area of attentional focus to another. I will discuss this in further detail in my next blog on Focus of Attention. Also, when you FEEL confident your body’s energy level is much higher than when you have doubt. Therefore, you don’t need those energy drinks to keep you going, just let your mind create the enphorphins (chemicals that your body produces in the brain) necessary to give you that natural high. Thus producing instant energy. WOW!

Here is a common example that most of us have experienced. It’s late in the afternoon, long day of classes and a really tough practice. All you want to do is go home, eat and then sleep. But you can’t because you have to study and do your homework. What a dilemma. All of a sudden you receive a text mail from your friend who has some great news. BAM!!! Instant Energy! Now the challenge is to refocus that energy to doing your homework. That’s what makes life fun. Atleast the attitude is now a positive one.

The sixth and final Positive Focus Performance P is POSITIVE FOCUS. This is the thoughts part of THOUGHTS & FEELINGS(Positive Attitude was the feelings part). This is the most important Performance P because it generate the other 5 Ps. Without a winner’s mind set, performances can be difficult and sometimes even embarassing. Here is a simple explanation of the process. Your Brain is like a computer. It runs many different programs that helps us to perform a variety of skills. Such as walking, talking, driving a car, etc. Some of these learned skills like walking or brushing our teeth are highly developed therefore taking very little to no thought process whatsoever. Whereas talking takes more cognitive work. Although sometimes it appears as if some individuals do not think before they speak(Foot in the Mouth Syndrome).

Positive Focus is the most important Performance P simply because it is these thoughts that generate our feelings. But, I do not want to get into all of that. Just know that, if you think you can… more than likely you will feel confident and relaxed to let your mind and body work for you. If you think you can’t… Self Doubt rears it’s ugly head and destroys any ability that you may have had in being successful.

This is also the Performance P that controls the PASSION level towards your sport. It understands what your PURPOSE is in playing your sport. It tells the body what to do to create a Champion’s POSTURE. This P also assist in keeping you focus in the now and not get distracted by past failures or outcomes(Time Travel). And finally, your thoughts help in determining how you feel to what is being experienced real or imaginary.

Next month starts the New Year and the opportunity to create a better life for yourself. The first Blog for 2012, I will discuss a technique that will help you to live Life with a POSITIVE FOCUS. Until then, TRAIN YOUR BRIAN to get mentally tougher so that your life can be an amazing one full of WOW!!! Moments. Have a Positive Focus Holiday Season! “Dr. D” a.k.a. “Vitamin D”